Four Suspects Sought After Theft at Hamilton Grocery Store

Hamilton police report they are searching for four individuals who collaborated to steal a senior’s debit and credit cards – along with her PIN numbers – at a Fortinos grocery store in the west end last December.

This incident marks the latest in a concerning rise of “distraction thefts,” according to a news release from police on Monday.

The theft took place on December 6 around 3 p. m., when authorities say four suspects targeted the woman while she was shopping at the grocery store located at Main Street West and Rifle Range Road, near Mc Master University.

They acted “in concert” to learn her PIN and take her wallet from her purse, then withdrew approximately $3,500 in cash from her accounts and made an additional $750 in purchases, according to police.

Here’s how police describe the suspects:

An older male wearing a dark flat cap, glasses, red gloves, a dark winter coat, dark pants and shoes. A person dressed in a navy-blue Nike jacket, black knit toque, light-coloured scarf and dark pants. A man sporting a grey knit toque with a logo, a dark jacket with a light-coloured hood while carrying a red bottle. A person clad in a light-coloured winter jacket, fur-lined hat and scarf, who was pushing a shopping cart.Hamilton police released these images of their suspects in the latest distraction theft report. (Courtesy of Hamilton Police Service)

Rise in Distraction Thefts

This incident occurred toward the end of last year which saw significant growth in distraction thefts both in Hamilton and across Canada, according to police.

Thieves often work together as groups, initiating conversations with seniors and sometimes using physical contact as an excuse to exchange jewelry.

London, Ont. resident Gail Hoevenaars shared that thieves wrapped fake gold jewelry around her wrist as distraction while they quietly removed her more valuable bracelet. (Kendra Seguin/ )

In October, police reported that incidents of distraction theft had surged by 87 percent compared to the previous year-rising from 39 cases to 74.

“Investigators note that suspects typically target older adults aged 60 to 90 and often work in pairs or groups – one suspect distracts the victim while others commit the theft,” officials said previously.

This past Tuesday, police spokesperson Adam Kimber mentioned there have been 25 reports of distraction theft since November 17th and that several arrests have been made related to these cases.

“We have identified numerous suspects and effected arrests for several cases but more work and more arrests are forthcoming,” Kimber stated via email.

Suspects usually find ways to get close enough for physical contact with victims without them realizing their valuables or jewelry have been taken-sometimes replaced with cheap imitations.

A case earlier this September involved a woman visiting a senior’s home who replaced her necklace during an embrace at her doorway.

WATCH | Distraction theft suspect caught on door camera:

Distraction theft suspect caught on camera

Hamilton police shared footage showing one suspect involved in targeting an elderly individual through distraction tactics. This event took place on September 8th when an unfamiliar woman entered under false pretenses of knowing them. She hugged the victim before swapping out her genuine gold necklace for a fake one.

A similar situation arose that same month when two men approached a 76-year-old man on the west Mountain claiming they had brought him gifts from their mother; they encouraged him to lean closer as they placed jewelry around his neck and ring on his finger.

Police have highlighted numerous comparable incidents across various areas including Parkdale, Westdale, Upper James Street, Ancaster and Stoney Creek.

The authorities advise everyone to be cautious when strangers approach unexpectedly or attempt physical contact or offer jewelry.

“Keep personal belongings and jewelry secure and out of sight in public spaces,” they advised through last fall’s release while urging people report any suspicious behavior encountered like this. “If you feel unsafe create distance quickly and seek help immediately.”



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